Oh. My. Stars.
I tagged the letters and then shut my car off and climbed out.
As I made my way to the front door, I couldn’t help but take in the beautiful flower beds, which looked cared for and well attended.
Then I looked at the rest of the yard and saw nothing but patches of dirt and weeds.
Oh. My. Stars.
Her flower beds.
I felt tears well up in my eyes, but I inhaled a deep breath and choked them back down.
Then I made my way up the steps and knocked on the front door.
I waited and then knocked three more times.
Then I heard what sounded like feet shuffling.
And then... when the door opened, I tried to hold my breath.
Oh, heavens.
But the man... bless his heart.
I got it then.
He was only living the best way he knew how, but he was making sure the things she loved were well taken care of.
He had white hair that was thinning on top, a dark brown long-sleeved shirt, suspenders, and blue jeans on.
He had a five o’clock shadow.
I let out a breath and said, “Hi, are you Jacob Hooper?”
The man narrowed his eyes at me and said, “Yes, I am. Who are you?”
“Hi, my name is Cassie. I’m sorry for showing up out of the blue like this, but I think I have something of yours.”
He lifted a bushy white eyebrow as he said, “Is that right?”
I nodded, “Did you use to know a woman named Elaine?”
I watched.
And the moment I said woman, named Elaine, his posture went slack, and then his eyes widened, and then he nodded, “Yes. I did.”
I smiled, “May I come in?”
He looked back into the house, then down at himself, and shook his head, “Think it would be best to sit out here. Don’t you think?”
I lifted a brow and shrugged, “It’s whatever you want to do.”
“You’re sweet girl. But I know. Okay.” He said.
To that, I nodded and then stepped to the side.
Then, once he closed the door, I moved with him to the red porch swing.
